Would you like to get to know our research group?
Assist. Prof. Dr. Esra Tunçer
Hello, I am a faculty member in the Department of Food Engineering at Trakya University, and I work on sustainable food systems at Bytes 4 Food Lab.
Our research focuses on plant-based proteins, the valorization of food industry by-products into value-added components, and the investigation of food systems using experimental and computational approaches.
One of my favorite moments each week is our “Science & Coffee Hours” meetings. During these gatherings, we talk science and learn a lot from each other over a good cup of coffee ☕
Bytes 4 Food Lab is a team that is curious, unafraid to ask questions, and enjoys creating together. New ideas, new questions, and good coffee always have a place at our table.
If you would like to join our team, feel free to get in touch with us. Below, you can meet the team members who are part of this journey with us.
Graduate Students
Hello, I’m Ezgi. I am pursuing a master’s degree in Food Engineering. My research focuses on plant-based proteins, sustainable food, and the valorization of waste. I believe that small changes can make a big difference, and this idea is my greatest motivation for working in the field of sustainable food. Beyond my academic work, I love creating and discovering new things, which is why I have been taking ceramics classes for a while. Working with ceramics has become a space that allows me to breathe and find balance amid an intense academic schedule. I enjoy being involved in work that brings together science, sustainability, and creativity.
Hello! I’m Miray, a master’s student in Food Engineering. My research focuses on exploring the use of molecular dynamics simulations in the characterization of electrospinning feed solutions. Academically, I enjoy working across disciplines and take pleasure in questioning while learning and trying out new methods. Alongside my studies, I am gaining academic and cultural experiences through the Erasmus program. In my free time, I enjoy engaging with music, going on nature walks, and taking small coffee breaks that refresh my mind.
Hello! I’m Berna, a master’s student in Food Engineering, focusing my research on simulation-based modeling. Beyond my thesis work, I actively engage in laboratory studies in the field of sustainability and strive to participate in various conferences. My team and I continue to develop new products, and my days are shaped by the excitement and motivation of building new models on my computer. Fueled by a cup of coffee, these efforts often turn into long marathons. When I step away from the screen, nature walks and exploring different types of films refresh my motivation and energy.
Hello! I’m Duygu, a Food Engineer focused on plant-based proteins and sustainable food systems. I must admit that although my taste buds favor animal-based flavors, my scientific curiosity, deepened through my master’s studies, has steered me toward building the future of plant-based proteins. Together with my team, I also engage in developing new products and presenting them at conferences. My goal is to transform academic data into commercially viable products and make my mark in the world of entrepreneurship. Outside the lab, you’ll usually find me exploring new destinations and flavors, always with a freshly brewed thermos of coffee in hand.
Hello! I’m İlayda, a Food Engineer and master’s student with roots in Kosovo. I graduated second in my class, bringing hands-on experience with analytical techniques such as GC-MS, LC-MS, and HPLC to guide my research. Currently, my team and I are developing plant-based milk alternatives, while I also pursue my personal curiosity by scientifically exploring the traditional flavors of Kosovo. Outside the lab, you’ll often find me seeking balance on my yoga mat or traveling as a gourmet explorer, discovering new cultures and cuisines.
Hello, I’m Ecem. I am a graduate student in Food Engineering, focusing on plant-based protein isolates and sustainable food systems. I am particularly interested in deepening my scientific curiosity in areas that offer sustainable solutions to current food challenges. My role as a food engineer at the Edirne Food Control Laboratory Directorate allows me to closely observe the quality and practical application sides of the industry. I love creating, learning, and chasing after questions. Music and coffee always keep their place in the rhythm of my life.
Undergraduate Students
I am a senior undergraduate student in Food Engineering at Trakya University. I am particularly interested in functional foods, valorization of food waste, and quality–safety topics, with a special motivation for the product development process. I enjoy being involved in product development and watching ideas come to life as tangible products. I am curious, research-oriented, and always thinking about “how can this be improved?” In my free time, I enjoy traveling, listening to music, going on nature walks, and spending relaxing moments with a simple cup of coffee.
I am a senior undergraduate student in Food Engineering at Trakya University. I enjoy working with functional and innovative foods and transforming food waste into products rather than letting it go to waste. I love exploring food, especially thinking creatively about functional and innovative products. In my free time, I ride my bike, play video games, listen to music, and try to discover new places whenever I can. I never stop being curious.
Hello! I’m Nazife Sude Sert, a Food Engineer working in a laboratory environment within the food industry. I am involved in food safety, microbiological analysis, and quality processes, conducting analyses in accordance with national and international standards. During my education, I developed an interest in sustainable food approaches and participated in a project focused on developing a novel plant-based milk alternative. I am detail-oriented, enjoy working systematically, and thrive in collaborative environments. In my personal time, I enjoy playing tennis and practicing reformer Pilates.